A Covenant Prayer:

On Sunday our congregation read a covenant prayer together in preparation for 2008. As the words were read aloud, I found myself unable to follow the throng.

Stopping and staring at the words on the page that should have been crossing my lips; tears welled up in my eyes. I began to read it over and over. I thought back to all that 2007 has been and the taste it has left in my mouth. Can I make this covenant my own? What could be ahead that will cost me something I don't want to pay? Will I recognize the joy and the good things that He will provide in the midst of my sorrows? Is not the decision to walk as Jesus walked a decision to be under the command of Christ; and the re-birth transformation through the Holy Spirit what makes our will submit to Him?

I'm still staring at this prayer. The words of Jesus are surely a comfort.
"What is impossible with men is possible with God." Luke 18:27

"Dear Heavenly Father,
I am no longer my own, but Yours.
Use me as You choose; rank me alongside whoever You choose;
put me to doing, put me to suffering;
let me be employed for You, or laid aside for You;
raised up for You, or brought down low for You;
let me be full, let me be empty;
let me have all things, let me have nothing;
with my whole heart I freely choose to yield all things to Your ordering and approval.

So now, God of glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
You are mine, and I am Your own.
In Jesus name, Amen."

For he who was called in the Lord as a slave is a freedman of the Lord. Likewise he who was free when called is a slave of Christ. You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men.
1 Corinthians 7:22-23

Romans 6:15-23